Fox Theatre (Demolished)
Covina, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Fox Theatre of Covina was
once one of the central points of new blockbuster hits in the San Gabriel
Valley. But alas, the standing room only crowds dwindled and by the late
80's, the Fox Covina became better known as a good place to throw popcorn
at empty seats. This theater began showing Indian movies in the early
90's, but its recent status is closed and fate unknown.
UPDATE: The Fox closed in December 1998 and was subsequently demolished. By 2004, the theatre and much of the surrounding block were gone, taking the familiar roadside sign with them. 10-26
Check out more Fox Theatres from across the country at Roadside Peek'sFox Theatres.
Fox Pomona Theatre
Pomona, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Fox Pomona Theater makes its presence known above downtown with a rooftop sign that leaves little doubt about the building’s original business. The Art Deco tower and marquee give the corner of Garey Avenue and Third Street a movie-house landmark worth stopping to admire.
Opened on April 24, 1931, the Fox brought a little Hollywood glamour to Pomona. Architects Balch & Stanbery gave it an elaborate setting for an afternoon picture or an evening downtown. Later years brought changing uses and deterioration, leaving the theatre’s future uncertain.
UPDATE: An extensive restoration returned the Fox to entertainment in 2009. Concerts and special events now bring audiences through the doors at 301 S. Garey Avenue. The movie schedule has changed, but the restored theatre and familiar rooftop name remain a proud part of downtown Pomona. 10-26
Mayfair Theatre (Demolished)
Ventura, CA Photo courtesy Russ Havens
The Mayfair Theatre brought streamlined styling to Ventura, with rounded lines and a distinctive marquee welcoming neighborhood moviegoers. Designed by S. Charles Lee, it opened in 1940 and spent decades offering a reason to head downtown for a picture. Unfortunately, a devastating fire in 2000 left the building badly damaged, and it was demolished in August 2004. Many thanks to Russ Havens for info. 01-06
UPDATE: Residential development replaced the theatre at 793 E. Santa Clara Street, taking away another piece of Ventura’s moviegoing past. Fortunately, the marquee sign was saved and stored after demolition. The old auditorium is gone, but this photograph brings back an entrance that made going to the movies look like something special. 10-26
Fox Theatre (Closed)
Venice, CA Photo courtesy Georg Balandran
The Fox Venice Theatre kept a recognizable movie-house profile along Lincoln Boulevard long after its screen went dark. Its tall facade gave passing motorists a reminder of the building’s earlier business, even while customers headed inside to browse an indoor swap meet.
Opened in 1951 at 620 Lincoln Boulevard, the Fox later became a popular revival house. Repertory programs brought film enthusiasts back for older favorites and unusual double bills before the building traded movie audiences for retail shoppers.
UPDATE: A proposal announced in 2026 would convert the former theatre into a Trader Joe’s. The project has been moving through review, offering another possible use for this longtime Lincoln Boulevard landmark. The moviegoing days are over, but the old Fox building may yet welcome another generation of neighborhood customers. 10-26
Warner Theatre (Closed)
Huntington Park, CA Photo courtesy Georg Balandran
The Warner Theatre gives Pacific Boulevard a grand reminder of Huntington Park’s moviegoing years. Its tall sign and imposing entrance belong to an era when a downtown theatre was built to catch your attention well before you reached the ticket window.
Opened in 1930, the Warner was designed by B. Marcus Priteca with an elaborate Art Deco interior. Movies eventually ended in the 1990s, followed by years of vacancy and concern that the theatre might disappear altogether.
UPDATE: The Warner Theatre building will now be home to a fitness center. 02-17
UPDATE: The Warner escaped demolition and was converted into a gym, with Blink Fitness bringing a new use to the former auditorium in 2018. Its later history has brought further changes in fitness operators, but the building survives. The workout may have replaced the feature, yet Pacific Boulevard still has its old theatre landmark. 10-26
Shrine Auditorium, Mid-City
Los Angeles, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Shrine Auditorium makes a memorable stop along Jefferson Boulevard with its twin domes and elaborate Moorish styling. Near USC, this Los Angeles landmark looks ready for a grand occasion before the first guest arrives.
Opened in 1926, the Shrine was designed by John C. Austin and A. M. Edelman, with an auditorium interior by G. Albert Lansburgh. Academy Awards ceremonies, Grammy broadcasts, and generations of performers made it familiar to audiences far beyond Southern California.
UPDATE: Concerts, premieres, and special events continue bringing crowds to the Shrine and its neighboring Expo Hall. A century after opening, there’s still plenty happening behind those distinctive domes—and another reason to check what’s playing along Jefferson Boulevard. 10-26
Mayfair Theatre (Demolished)
Warner Theatre (Closed)
Shrine Auditorium, Mid-City
